Self-contained merchandising container display

ABSTRACT

A self-contained merchandising container display comprises a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion, a rim and a feature. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the feature of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material. The base includes information calling attention to the feature.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a merchandising container display. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-contained merchandising container display that holds a plurality of stacked containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of inexpensive polymeric, paper or metal packaging containers has become popular, especially for preparing and serving various food products. Polymeric, paper and metal containers generally have been used for heating the food product(s) disposed therein. Some containers have specific features that the manufacturers want to show to potential consumers. At least some containers, however, have packaging that hides such specific features. It would be desirable to have a display that would be self contained and adapted to present such features to the potential consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a self-contained merchandising container display comprises a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion, a rim and a feature. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the feature of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material. The base includes information calling attention to the feature.

According to another embodiment, a self-contained merchandising container display consists essentially of a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material.

According to a further embodiment, a self-contained merchandising container display comprises a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. Each of the rims forms interlocking features. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the interlocking features is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material. A first container is adapted to be releasably lockable to a second container by using the interlocking features.

According to yet another embodiment, a self-contained merchandising container display comprises a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a container according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a self-contained merchandising container display according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the merchandising container display of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the merchandising container display of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the merchandising container display of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the merchandising display of FIG. 3 with wrap.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a container (e.g., plate 10) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the plate 10 may be used with a second plate that may be substantially the same or, alternatively, identical to the plate 10 to form a container assembly that is releasably lockable. According to another embodiment, the plate 10 is used one at a time and, thus, is not used with another plate.

It is contemplated that other containers may be formed besides those using plates. For example, the containers may be formed, but are not limited to, using plates, bowls, platters, tubs, single-serve and family-size containers, single-serve and family-size ovenware, and combinations thereof. One such combination is a bowl and a plate that forms a container assembly. The remainder of the application will discuss container and container assemblies with respect to plates although it is recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that other container assemblies, such as those discussed above, may be formed.

The height and shape of the container assembly may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the container 10 is depicted as being generally circular. It is contemplated that the containers used herein may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, or oval.

The containers are typically used with respect to food, but may be used in other applications such as to store household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items. Food containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the container 10 includes a continuous body portion 12 and a continuous rim 14 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 12. The body portion 12 includes a bottom 16 and a continuous sidewall 18 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 16. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 16 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 16. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is preferred to be continuous.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the continuous rim 14 includes a plurality of ribs 20 that project generally upwardly therefrom. The plurality of ribs 20 is spaced around the general periphery of the container 10 and may assist in forming a releasably lockable container assembly with a second identical container. The orientation of the plurality of ribs 20 creates a pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the rim 14. More specifically, the orientation of the plurality of ribs 20 may create a pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim 14. In a radial configuration with a pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim, each of the plurality of ribs 20, if extended inwardly, would pass through the general center of the plate.

The plurality of ribs 20, however, may be formed in different patterns than shown in FIG. 2 with respect to the rim 14 (e.g., diagonally). The container 10 of FIG. 2 has exactly 60 ribs formed in the continuous rim 14. It is contemplated that the number of ribs may vary from that shown in FIG. 2. For example, a container may have from about 3 to about 10 ribs. A container typically has from about 20 or about 60 ribs and, more specifically, from about 30 to about 50 ribs. It is contemplated that the container may have greater than 60 ribs. The desired number of ribs formed on the container will often vary depending on factors such as the size or shape, the material(s) type and thicknesses of the container assembly, and the desired holding strength if a container assembly is to be formed.

It is contemplated that other interlocking features besides a plurality of ribs may be formed in the containers. For example, a rib and groove embodiment may be formed in the containers. The interlocking features are typically formed solely on the rims of the containers, but the interlocking features may extend into or through other portions of the containers.

The containers are typically formed from polymeric materials, but may be formed from other materials such as paper or metal. The polymeric containers may be formed from polyolefins. The polymeric food containers are typically formed from orientated polystyrene (OPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combination of polymers may be used to form the containers. The containers assemblies may be made from a mineral-filled polymeric material such as, for example, talc or calcium carbonate-filled polyolefin. An example of paper that may be used in forming the container assemblies is paperboard or molded fiber. Paperboard and molded fiber typically have a sufficient coefficient of friction to maintain the container assembly in a lockable position.

The containers of the present invention are typically disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. The containers are shown as including one compartment. It is contemplated that the containers may be formed of multiple compartments. Such containers are desirable for placing items (e.g., food items) in different compartments to prevent or inhibit commingling of items. For example, undesirable mixing of food items can corrupt the flavor and the consistency of the food items.

The containers may be formed using conventional thermoforming (e.g., by pressure, vacuum or the combination thereof), injection-molding processes, or rotational molding. According to one method of thermoforming, pellets of a polymeric resin and additives, if any, are added into an extruder. The pellets of the polymeric resin and additives, if any, are melted to form a blend. The blend is extruded through a die to form an extruded sheet. The extruded sheet is thermoformed to a desired shape of a container.

The thickness of the containers generally ranges from about 0.002 to about 0.15 inch, but is typically from about 0.005 to about 0.04 inch. The containers may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, a self-contained merchandising container display 100 is shown. The self-contained merchandising container display 100 includes a plurality of stacked containers 114 and a base 150. The plurality of stacked containers 114 is a plurality of the container 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above. The term “self-contained” is defined herein as a display that does not require an additional item or items (e.g., a rack) to hold and display the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position.

According to one embodiment, it is contemplated that the display 100 consists essentially of the plurality of containers 114 and the base 150. It is contemplated according to another embodiment, however, that additional items may be included on the display 100 such as alternating size and shape containers, cutlery, serving utensils or cups.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the base 150 is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers 114 in a generally upright position. The base 150 of FIGS. 3-6 includes a bottom 152 and a plurality of walls 154 a-d encompassing the bottom 152 and extending generally upwardly therefrom. The base 150 includes exactly four walls 154 a-d.

To potentially improve the visibility and reduce the necessary shelf-space of the display 100 to potential consumers or to act as a dispensing mechanism in the home, it is desirable for the base 150 to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers 114 in a substantially upright position or even in an upright position. In such a position, the number of packages in a set space on the retail shelf is increased, while the exposed surface area for providing more information to the consumers may also be increased. Additionally, it is also desirable for the base 150 to be in an upright position for other reasons such as (a) improved protection of the stacked containers as compared to film-only packages; and (b) protection of the stacked containers from potential shrink-wrap damage, if used, because the base 150 absorbs the shrink tension.

According to one embodiment, to enhance the visibility of at least one container and assist in maintaining the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position, the base may form at least one foot extending therefrom. The base desirably includes at least two walls that form at least one respective foot therefrom.

Specifically, in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the base 150 includes a plurality of walls 154 a-d that forms at least one respective foot therefrom. Specifically, the first wall 154 a of the base 150 forms two feet 156 a,b, while the third wall 154 c also forms two feet 156 c,d. The second and fourth walls 154 b,d, however, form a respective foot 156 e,f. It is contemplated that the number of feet formed in the base may vary from that shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.

According to one embodiment, it is desirable for the display 100 to be designed such that at least about ¼ of the surface area of one of the plurality of containers 114 is visible to the potential consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base 150. According to another embodiment, it is desirable for the display 100 to be designed such that at least about ⅓ of the surface area of one of the plurality of containers 114 is visible to the potential consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base 150. It is also desirable for the display 100 to be designed such that at least about ½ of the surface area of one of the plurality of containers 114 is visible to the potential consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base 150.

According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the feature of one of the plurality of stacked containers 114 is exposed to the potential consumer. For example, in the display 100, the feature that is shown to the potential consumer is a functional feature such as the plurality of ribs 120. It is contemplated that other interlocking features may be shown to the potential consumer. It is also contemplated that other functional features besides interlocking features may be shown to the potential consumer.

In such an embodiment, it is desirable that the base includes information calling attention to the functional feature. This may be in the form of a picture highlighting the feature, text describing the feature, or a combination thereof. For example, the base may depict the plurality of ribs and explain its interlocking capabilities.

It is contemplated that a container may contain desirable non-functional features to a consumer. For example, the container may contain printed and embossed rims or decorative surfaces. The non-functional features may be exposed to the potential consumer.

The base 150 is made of a generally rigid material that may be formed from a variety of materials. It is important for the material to be used in forming the base 150 to be capable of holding and containing the plurality of containers 114 in a generally upright position. For example, the base 150 may be formed from paperboard. Additionally, the base 150 may be formed from a rigid polymeric material, metal or wire.

The method of forming the base 150 will depend on the selected material. The thickness of the base generally ranges from about 22 to about 28 thousandths of an inch, but is typically from about 25 to about 26 thousandths of an inch. The base may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations.

According to another embodiment, the display may further include a wrap that surrounds the plurality of containers and the base. For example, in FIG. 7, a self-contained merchandising container display 200 includes the plurality of containers 114, a wrap 230 and the base 150. The wrap 230 may be a transparent, polymeric wrap. It is contemplated that other wraps may be employed in conjunction with the display 200, but it is desirable for the wrap, if used, to be transparent or at least semi-transparent.

While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A self-contained merchandising container display comprising: a plurality of stacked containers, each of the containers including a continuous body portion, a rim and a feature, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion; and a base being adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the feature of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer, the base being made of a generally rigid material, the base including information calling attention to the feature.
 2. The display of claim 1 wherein the plurality of stacked containers is in a substantially upright position.
 3. The display of claim 2 wherein the plurality of stacked containers is in an upright position.
 4. The display of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is a plate.
 5. The display of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is a bowl.
 6. The display of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is identical.
 7. The display of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is a polymeric container.
 8. The display of claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.
 9. The display of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is made of paper or metal.
 10. The display of claim 1 wherein the base has a bottom and a plurality of walls encompassing the bottom and extending generally upwardly therefrom.
 11. The display of claim 10 wherein the plurality of walls is exactly four walls, at least two of the plurality of walls form a respective foot extending therefrom.
 12. The display of claim 1 wherein at least ¼ of the surface area of one of the containers is visible to the consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base.
 13. The display of claim 12 wherein at least ½ of the surface area of one of the containers is visible to the consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base.
 14. The display of claim 1 further including a wrap that surrounds the plurality of containers and the base.
 15. The display of claim 14 wherein the wrap is a transparent, polymeric wrap.
 16. The display of claim 1 wherein the base is made of paperboard.
 17. The display of claim 1 wherein the feature is a plurality of ribs with spaces therebetween.
 18. The display of claim 1 wherein the base includes text information describing the feature, the feature being a functional feature.
 19. The display of claim 1 wherein the base includes a picture highlighting the feature, the feature being a functional feature.
 20. A self-contained merchandising container display consisting essentially of: a plurality of stacked containers, each of the containers including a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion; and a base being adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer, the base being made of a generally rigid material.
 21. The display of claim 20 wherein the plurality of stacked containers is in a substantially upright position.
 22. The display of claim 20 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is identical.
 23. The display of claim 20 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is a polymeric container.
 24. The display of claim 23 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.
 25. The display of claim 20 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is made of paper or metal.
 26. The display of claim 20 wherein at least ¼ of the surface area of one of the containers is visible to the consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base.
 27. The display of claim 26 wherein at least ½ of the surface area of one of the containers is visible to the consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base.
 28. The display of claim 20 further including a wrap that surrounds the plurality of containers and the base.
 29. The display of claim 20 wherein the base includes text information describing the feature.
 30. The display of claim 20 wherein the base includes a picture highlighting the feature.
 31. A self-contained merchandising container display comprising: a plurality of stacked containers, each of the containers including a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion, each of the rims forming interlocking features; and a base being adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the interlocking features is exposed to the consumer, the base being made of a generally rigid material, wherein the plurality of stacked containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container being adapted to be releasably lockable to the second container by using the interlocking features.
 32. The container of claim 31 wherein each of the plurality of stacked containers is identical.
 33. The container of claim 31 wherein the rim has a plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first container including a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second container including a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first container being adapted to be releasably lockable to the second container by fitting a first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces.
 34. The display of claim 31 wherein at least ¼ of the surface area of one of the containers is visible to the consumer when being held and contained in a generally upright position in the base.
 35. The display of claim 31 wherein the base includes text information describing the feature.
 36. The display of claim 31 wherein the base includes a picture highlighting the feature.
 37. A self-contained merchandising container display comprising: a plurality of stacked containers, each of the containers including a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion; and a base adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer, the base being made of a generally rigid material. 